Rash-free shaving cream and after shave mist for sensitive skin

I have sensitive skin when it comes to shaving, and this is by far the best product I have found on the market-- and I have tried quite a few. While the name is a bit off-putting, the product is amazing for those of us who dread the sting of shaving and subsequent irritated skin.

I use both the shaving cream and the after shave protection mist. Shave in the shower, and then spray the mist on after you have toweled off. The mist helps to tighten pores and sooth skin.

Click on each picture for directs links to purchase the products from Amazon, probably the easiest way to purchase them.

Eight colors you must wear this summer

I just don't feel complete unless my finger nails and toes are painted. Call me silly, but I feel more put together when there is a layer of glistening color. The Cupcakes and Cashmere blog posted eight perfect color combos for the summer, making your mani/pedi choices a bit easier!

My favorite combo is definitely "shades of blue." Blog author Emily even makes it easy for you to snag these beauties, just click on the color's link and it will take you away to shop the look.

How to shop cruelty free

You wouldn't intentionally buy a product knowing that an animal had to suffer for it, right? However, in this day and age animal testing has become the standard in society for product testing. This post is definitely not here to argue the ethics of animal testing (we aren't even going to go "there" for medical testing), but rather an informational post for the savvy consumer so that you can make an educated decision when buying products.

Whether you agree with their message (or not), PETA is a great resource for checking out where your favorites stand in terms of animal testing. They even have a handy PDF that you can print out to take with you when shopping, and you can choose from companies that do test or companies that don't. You can also look for companies that carry the Leaping Bunny logo, which certifies that they do not animal test.

It used to be that a general rule of thumb is that if a company sold its products to China, they tested on animals, since China mandated that all products for human consumption were first tested on animals. However, China is beginning to change these rules (hurray!) which will hopefully lead to less testing. A basic rule is that if the make-up company is large brand name and carried in drug and grocery stores, they likely animal test (i.e. Cover Girl, Revlon, and Maybelline). However, you can definitely find quality make-up and household products that aren't so obscure. I recommend starting at Target.

Target carries two make-up brands, Pixi and Sonia Kashuk, that are great products and cruelty free. My favorite black pencil eyeliner is from Sonia Kashuk, I've used it for years. You can't go wrong there (can you really go wrong at Target?). Also, Target's brand Method carries home and personal care products that are cruelty free. Other drug store brands that do not test on animals are Milani, Physician's Formula, Jane, and e.l.f.

Allure magazine also created their top 15 make-up brands that are cruelty free and carry everything from luxurious lip colors to indulging body oils.

Find more shopping tips and information here for cruelty -free products. For more companies that still do test on animals, you can check here. Have a favorite cruelty free brand or product? Tell me about it below!

﻿***Please note that this post was created with the most accurate and current information available. Like the ever-changing consumer market, facts and information can change.﻿

We have all been there. Standing in front of the make-up or lotion aisle, mouth gaping with an overwhelmed expression on our face and completely no idea what product to pick and what that “natural” lotion is actually made of. Even worse, some of us may have sensitive skin and rely on these often misleading labels. The following post provides some research that will hopefully help decode the labels on today’s beauty products.

Unscented

We would initially think that unscented lotions are free of any perfumes, however, these products often use a “unscented” scent to mask the scents of its ingredients, thus adding more to your lotion than what you bargained for. Dermatologist Leslie Baumann, MD states that some companies use preservatives in products that have a scent, but are still able to label their products as “fragrance-free.” However, these are your best bet to try, but always be sure to test product on your inner wrist before slathering it on after a shower.

Many of us today are looking to go more “green,” and often look for products that are not animal tested or made of natural ingredients. It may be a first instinct to grab a bottle of “natural” lotion or liquid make-up, presuming it is good for our skin. Unfortunately, there is no set standard definition for companies in their branding, so “natural” can mean whatever they wish it to. Some companies produce sincere natural products, others just use it to increase revenue.

Firming

Despite our greatest desires for a true firming product to turn back time, there is no standardized test for “firming” lotions, creams, or make-up. Baumann indicates that often times claims that a product will firm your skin are based on “subjective consumer perception,” and often come without scientific backing. Your best bet is to hydrate your skin thus giving the appearance of firmness. Look for products with humectants, aka a substance that absorbs or helps retain moisture, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

Hypoallergenic

Hypoallergenic according to the dictionary means “unlikely to cause allergic reaction: not likely to cause an allergic reaction.” In the beauty word, it has a much less significant meaning, so much so that this unregulated term is often plastered on products without the necessary testing. Technically, hypoallergenic testing means that a company would do “patch tests” (testing a small area of skin) on a subject group of 100-200 people, and wait days to weeks to assess skin reactions.1 There is no strict regulation by a governing body on this testing either. Furthermore, there is no single sensitive skin “type” in which to tailor a product to. If you are sensitive to acne and breakouts, be sure to avoid oil-containing products. If you have dry or burning skin, avoid alcohols and acids.

Beauty Seals

Just when our beauty beliefs have been debunked and we feel as we have been duped, there are truly some standards to which you can search for on your products. Third-party organizations help to provide a standard to which products who carry the seal must be held to.

For example, in order for a beauty product to be labeled as “organic” it must meet the USDA’s standard, which is that it must contain at least 95% ingredients that are certified organic (natural and grown without certain pesticides or fertilizers). Some brands that meet this criterion include: Origins Organics, Juice Beauty, Revolution Organics, Organicare, Organic Essence, Nature's Gate Rainwater Organic lotions.

The Natural Products Association has also come up with a seal, products of which contain at least 95% natural ingredients, which is defined as renewable flora, fauna, or minerals that have not been processed using synthetic chemicals. Burt's Bees, Aubrey Organics, and J.R. Watkins are just a few companies who carry this seal.

Ecocert, a French company, also maintains a label, indicating that products must contain at least 95% natural ingredients; at least 10% certified organic ingredients and (which I think is cool) environmentally conscious packaging. Some labels that carry this seal include: Physicians Formula Organic Wear Makeup, Care by Stella McCartney skincare, some L'Occitane products.

Lastly, Whole Foods Market Premium Body Care (yes the grocery store), has its own label that indicates that its approved products have "primarily" natural ingredients. There is no specific qualifying percentage, so be wary on this one! Some products from EO, Alaffia, and Ikove have earned this seal.

For the truly conscientious consumer, you may also choose to create your own products from your refrigerator and pantry, which you can then be assured have only all-natural ingredients. As for myself, I am lucky to only have sensitive skin when it comes to shaving, so I can vouch that the best shaving cream and after shave spray to reduce to eliminate the shaving “burn” is by the “Coochy Cream” line. I know the name is off-putting, but I swear by it, and have for years. Find their fragrance-free and fragranced shave cream, and after-spray, on Amazon.com to ensure safe browsing and buying.